EPA Section 319 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Management Grants

Federal Clean Water Act funding for nonpoint source pollution control — stream restoration, agricultural BMPs, urban stormwater retrofits, and watershed-scale planning. Awarded by states to local applicants.

EPA's Section 319 program is the federal government's primary funding stream for combating nonpoint source water pollution — the diffuse runoff from farms, urban surfaces, abandoned mine sites, and unpaved roads that causes the majority of water quality impairments nationwide. EPA distributes annual allotments to states, which then competitively sub-award funds to local applicants through state-administered cycles.Eligible projects include stream and riparian restoration, agricultural best management practices, urban stormwater green infrastructure, abandoned mine drainage treatment, watershed planning (including approved Watershed Implementation Plans required to access future Section 319 implementation funds), water quality monitoring, and outreach. Pennsylvania's allocation typically funds 10-20 projects per year in the $50,000-$200,000 range.A key strategic note: Section 319 implementation funding is reserved for projects in watersheds with an EPA-approved Watershed Implementation Plan (formerly called '9-element plan'). Groups working in unplanned watersheds should consider applying for planning funds first — it's the gateway to a long-term funding pipeline.